Tuncer Bakırhan reacts to CHP: 'I expected them to take responsibility'

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan made statements regarding the visit to be conducted by the process committee established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to İmralı.

Criticizing the CHP's decision not to participate in this visit, Bakırhan expressed that he found the party's stance very unfortunate. Evaluating the CHP's decision with the words, "I am saddened," Bakırhan pointed out that a more courageous and responsible attitude should be displayed in the resolution process.

Regarding the CHP's decision not to go to İmralı, Bakırhan said, "The Republican People's Party is the founding party of the Republic; it is a party that has responsibility in this century-old issue. It must be courageous and take risks for a solution to this matter. A party that aims for power must play a role in the resolution of Turkey's most fundamental issue." Furthermore, Bakırhan emphasized that with this decision, the CHP is not contributing to Turkey's resolution process.

"90 PERCENT OF SOCIETY DID NOT BELIEVE IN ÖCALAN'S CALL"

Bakırhan described the call made by Öcalan on February 27 as a historic step. Stating that an important development has occurred with this call toward the PKK laying down its arms and the organization being dissolved, Bakırhan expressed that a large portion of society did not expect this situation. Bakırhan said, "No one expected Öcalan to make such a groundbreaking statement. Saying 'I am laying down arms, I am dissolving the PKK' was a surprise for 90 percent of society. This is a very important development."

"THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO BE CONSTRUCTIVE"

The DEM Party Co-Chair stated that the government needs to display a more constructive attitude for the peace process to progress. Reminding that prisons are full, trustees are still in place, and opposition municipalities have been removed from office, Bakırhan said, "The government, as the executive power, must play a role that eliminates hesitations and socializes peace."

SUPPORT FOR MHP'S BAHÇELİ: "CONSISTENT POLITICS"

Bakırhan also evaluated MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's statement, "If necessary, I will go to İmralı." Stating that this stance by Bahçeli is consistent politics, Bakırhan said, "Bahçeli has followed the same line from the very beginning. Both Bahçeli and Öcalan stand behind what they say."

SEGBİS DEBATE

Bakırhan also criticized the situation where the CHP and some political actors suggested connecting to İmralı via SEGBİS (Video and Audio Information System). Saying, "A 100-year-old issue cannot be reduced to SEGBİS," Bakırhan argued that the resolution of this matter can be achieved through face-to-face meetings. "The Kurdish issue is not an issue that can be solved with a link. If one goes to Öcalan, a much more constructive assessment will emerge," he said. He also cited examples from similar processes around the world, referring to meetings held with Nelson Mandela and Alija Izetbegović.

CHP'S STANCE IS "VERY UNFORTUNATE"

Regarding the CHP's İmralı decision, Bakırhan said, "The Republican People's Party should have played a much more active role in the resolution of this issue. I find it very unfortunate. As a party that bears responsibility in the resolution process, more courageous steps should have been taken." He criticized the CHP for wasting time with mere debates instead of contributing to the resolution of the process.

"WE HAVE EXPECTATIONS"

Bakırhan also stated that they would support the CHP when they take the courageous steps they expect from them. "If a party aims for power, it must approach the resolution of Turkey's most fundamental issue courageously and include its base in these issues," he said. Furthermore, Bakırhan said that in the resolution process, the CHP should play an active role without bending left or right and without getting stuck in opposition to the government.

Bakırhan stated that as the DEM Party, they are not currently focused on constitutional debates. He emphasized that debates regarding the constitution will come to the agenda after the resolution process is completed. "After this issue is resolved, Turkey should attain a democratic constitution. We will participate in a debate for a democratic, inclusive, and egalitarian constitution," he said.

News Source: 12punto